Rock, Paper, Scissors--with a twist!

I'm sure that you are familiar with the classic game "Rock, Paper, Scissors,"

but have you ever put a math-y twist on it??

I attended a conference this weekend (so many fun ideas!!) and Mary Alice Hatchett shared this simple game with us. She gave the teachers a chance to play, and we LOVED IT!!!

Here's how to play:

Have your kiddos find a partner and play "Rock, Paper, Scissors."

I usually have them say "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot (or something similar?)", 

and it's on the last word that the reveal their hand.

Instead of choosing between a rock, paper, or scissor hand sign, 

the students will choose a number between 0 and 5 and show the number with their fingers. 

After the two numbers are revealed, the students add the numbers in their head, 

and the first one to call out the sum is the winner of that round!

For example, 

if I had three fingers out and you had four, the first person to call out "seven!" would be the winner!

I love this game because it is easy to explain, a wonderful way to practice addition in a FUN way that will have students engaged, and no materials are required! 

Kids have even been spotted playing this on the playground!!

Winner, winner.

If you'd like to do a similar game in a math station, I made a little game that I can't wait to use with my own kiddos! This math station is kind of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" + "War" all in one.

Playing cards with zero through five and a recording sheet (tally marks + data analysis):

Head on over to TpT to check it out by clicking on any picture! 

Happy gaming, teacher friends!!